Periods are absolutely normal and in order to make them feel normal, nowadays many period products are available in the market. The aim of these products is to provide as comfortable and healthy periods as possible. These products help in absorbing the blood and make the day just like any other regular day which is without the fear of staining anywhere or feeling the weird wetness down south. Moreover, you do not have to ask your friend every 10 minutes to check your trouser or skirt for stains if you invest in good period products.

They not only keep you dry but also provide great comfort throughout the day.  Everyone has different needs and keeping in mind those needs, a wide range of products are now available in the market such as pads, tampons and cups. If you are about to get your first period and want to research the option available or want to switch from your regular period product to something new, here we have the complete list and review of all the best period products now available to help you pick the right one for you and your period needs.

Types of Period Products

1. Sanitary Napkin

One of the most commonly used period products, is hands down, sanitary napkins or pads. They need no introduction and apparently, everyone is well aware of them. They are rectangular in shape and made up of cotton and other absorbents. It sticks to the underwear thus preventing its movement. They come in various shapes and types of absorbency which can be selected as per the requirement. They need to be changed every 3-4 hours and are disposable in nature.

Advantages

1. They are cheaper in price and are widely available. 

2. They are easy to use, even if you are a beginner and are comfortable to wear.

Disadvantage

1. Sanitary Napkin disposal- The main issue with a sanitary napkin is its disposal. In every 3-4 hours, changing a pad can be a tedious task to do. Moreover, if in a day you are using 5-6 pads and if your period lasts for 5 days, that means it’s 25-30 pads a month. That’s a lot of waste considering some sanitary pads are made up of non-biodegradable material, thus making them not so environmental friendly. 

2. Even though they are cheaper however they have to be changed more frequently. Thus, they are not the most cost-efficient option. 

2. Reusable Pads

As the name suggests, they are reusable versions of sanitary pads. Unlike normal pads, they are more sustainable options available. Reusable pads are made up of cloth pads and are very easy to use. They are washable and reusable for the next time. In order to use them, simply clip them on the underwear. This ensures the pads are secured in one place. They could be used for 4-5 hours and then needs to be changed. 

Advantages

1. They are environmentally friendly and sustainable period products suitable for people who are making a shift to sustainable lifestyle and choices.

2. They are cost-effective.

Disadvantage

1. They require a long task list of rinsing, washing and drying carefully after every use. If you dont want to sign up for this, reusable pads are not the right choice for you. 

3. Tampons

If a product is rated on popularity, the second prize will go to tampons. They are very commonly used period products. They are pieces of cotton with a string at one end and are inserted into the vagina. It absorbs the blood up there without any discomfort. Similar to pads, they need to be changed often, atleast at an interval of 5-6 hours. After that, they can be pulled out with a piece of string and can be discarded, They are available in a wide range of sizes depending on the flow of your periods.

Advantages

1. A very small and compact product which can fit anywhere in your bag.

2. They are easy to use, once you know the trick and are very easy to use.

Disadvantages: 

1. Tampons have a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). So be careful when using tampons and never use them while sleeping.

4. Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are small soft funnel-shaped cups made up of silicone or rubber that is inserted into the vagina. Unlike a tampon, they collect blood instead of absorbing it. The blood collected should be emptied out frequently every 6-8 hours. Simply then rinse the cup and it is ready for reinsertion. They are reusable and moreover can be used for up to 5 years.

Advantages

1. Cups are a one-time investment and generally a safer option. 

2. Menstrual Cups do not require frequent changes like pads or tampons. Thus allowing more freedom and less worrying about periods.

3. Cups are an environmentally friendly product. Thus, holds a big advantage over others.

Disadvantages

1. They are a bit tricky to insert, especially if you are a beginner. It takes a little time to get the hang of it.

2. They are also very messy to use and if you are a clumsy person, then blood spills are definitely on cards.

5. Period Underwear

An upgrade in the genre of reusable pads is period underwear or period panties. A much more sustainable and eco-friendly option is period underwear. They look and feel like your regular underwear, but are designed to absorb the blood flow from your vagina. These underwear are super comfortable and come in various types depending on how heavy the blood flow is. They can be used solely or can be doubled up with a pad or tampon, in case of a heavy flow. 

Advantages: 

1. Very convenient, easy to use and affordable underwear. Thus, they are becoming a new favourite. 

2. They are the eco-friendly alternative to the period products available.

Disadvantage: 

1. They require washing thoroughly to maintain the hygiene standards. On the days of a heavy flow, it is often recommended to use an additional pad as the underwear won’t last long and you wouldn’t like to care spare underwear along with a used one in your bags.

Our Recommendation

If you are a beginner, we would advise you to use a pad because not just they are safe they would also give you enough time to understand yourself and your period needs. Insertion of something in your vagina may look like a tricky business and using a cloth pad or period panties requires a lot of additional work of cleaning and washing. Not to forget the stress of having the periods for the first time is immense in itself and you don’t know what to expect. 

However, if your trying to look for an alternative and had enough of using pads, we recommend using a menstrual cup. It’s safe and very easy to use from the moment you get a hang of it. They legit stays long and provide longer stress-free hours. Also, it’s not a burden on the environment which makes it a superior product out of all.

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